Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic passport comprising: a back cover comprising a passive RFID tag and an antenna, the antenna being configured to transmit RF signals from the RFID tag, the RFID tag having at least two readability states, and power electronics electronically coupled to the antenna, the power electronics being configured to power the RFID tag; a front cover comprising a shield and a surface including visually displayed personal identifying information; and non-volatile memory configured to store the personal identifying information, wherein in a first readability state the RFID tag is configured to transmit the personal identifying information and in a second readability state the RFID tag is configured to not transmit the personal identifying information, via the antenna.
This invention relates to an electronic passport with enhanced security features. The passport includes a back cover with a passive RFID tag and an antenna for transmitting RF signals. The RFID tag has two readability states: an active state where it transmits stored personal identifying information and an inactive state where it does not transmit. Power electronics coupled to the antenna control the RFID tag's power state, allowing it to switch between these states. The front cover contains a shield to block RFID signals and a surface displaying personal information visually. Non-volatile memory stores this information, which can be transmitted wirelessly when the RFID tag is in the active state. The design ensures that personal data is only transmitted when intended, reducing unauthorized access risks. The shield prevents external interference, while the power electronics enable dynamic control over RFID functionality. This system improves security by allowing users to disable RFID transmission when not in use, addressing concerns about unauthorized scanning of passport data.
2. The passport of claim 1 , wherein in the second readability state the RFID tag is configured to not transmit any personal identifying information.
This invention relates to a secure passport with an RFID tag that enhances privacy by controlling information transmission. The passport includes an RFID tag embedded within its pages, capable of operating in at least two readability states. In the first state, the RFID tag transmits personal identifying information, such as the passport holder's name, date of birth, and biometric data, to authorized readers. In the second state, the RFID tag is configured to not transmit any personal identifying information, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. The passport may include a physical or electronic mechanism to switch between these states, ensuring that personal data remains protected when not in use. This design addresses privacy concerns by allowing users to disable RFID transmission when the passport is not being actively verified, reducing the risk of unauthorized scanning or data theft. The invention improves upon traditional passports by incorporating dynamic control over RFID functionality, balancing convenience with enhanced security.
3. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the non-volatile memory is disposed within the passive RFID tag.
A passport with an integrated passive RFID tag containing non-volatile memory is designed to enhance security and authentication in travel document verification. The passport includes a data page with embedded RFID circuitry, where the non-volatile memory is integrated directly within the passive RFID tag. This configuration ensures that sensitive biometric and identification data is securely stored and transmitted when interrogated by an RFID reader, eliminating the need for an external memory module. The passive RFID tag operates without an internal power source, relying on electromagnetic induction from an external reader to power its operations. The non-volatile memory retains data even when the tag is not powered, ensuring data integrity. This design improves tamper resistance and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data corruption, addressing vulnerabilities in traditional passport systems where memory and RFID components are separate. The integrated approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces component failure points, and enhances reliability in high-security applications. The passport is particularly useful in border control and identity verification systems, where secure and efficient data retrieval is critical.
4. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the personal identifying information includes an image.
A passport document includes personal identifying information that is embedded within the passport in a manner that prevents unauthorized modification. The personal identifying information includes an image, such as a photograph, of the passport holder. The passport is designed to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the embedded data, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to alter the information without detection. The embedded information may also include other biometric or identifying details, such as fingerprints or signatures, to further enhance security. The passport structure is configured to resist tampering, ensuring that any attempt to modify the embedded data would be evident. This design helps prevent identity fraud and ensures that the passport remains a reliable form of identification. The embedded image serves as a visual verification tool, allowing authorities to quickly confirm the identity of the passport holder. The overall system ensures that the passport remains secure and tamper-proof throughout its lifespan.
5. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the shield includes a mesh.
A passport document includes a shield layer integrated into its structure to enhance security and durability. The shield layer is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the embedded electronic components, such as a chip or antenna, while allowing necessary communication. The shield includes a mesh structure, which provides a balance between signal transmission and physical protection. The mesh allows electromagnetic signals to pass through for communication with external readers while blocking physical tampering. The passport may also include additional security features, such as a protective cover or a tamper-evident layer, to further secure the embedded electronics. The mesh shield ensures that the electronic components remain functional while preventing unauthorized access or damage. This design improves the reliability and security of electronic passports, making them more resistant to tampering and environmental factors.
6. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the shield includes multiple layers of metallic fibers.
A passport with enhanced security features includes a shield embedded within the document to prevent unauthorized access to embedded data. The shield is designed to block electromagnetic interference, ensuring that the passport's integrated circuit (IC) cannot be read or tampered with without proper authorization. The shield comprises multiple layers of metallic fibers, which provide superior electromagnetic shielding compared to single-layer designs. These metallic fibers are arranged in a way that maximizes coverage and minimizes gaps, ensuring consistent protection across the entire shield. The fibers may be woven, layered, or otherwise structured to create a dense barrier that disrupts electromagnetic signals. This multi-layered approach enhances durability and resistance to physical wear, as well as improving the effectiveness of the shielding. The passport may also include additional security features, such as tamper-evident seals or authentication mechanisms, to further secure the embedded data. The use of metallic fibers in multiple layers ensures that the shield remains effective even if some fibers are damaged, maintaining the integrity of the passport's security system. This design is particularly useful in environments where electromagnetic interference is a concern, such as near electronic devices or in high-security applications.
7. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the shield includes a wire mesh.
A passport document includes a shield layer integrated into its structure to enhance security and durability. The shield layer is positioned between the data page and the cover of the passport, providing protection against tampering, bending, and environmental damage. The shield includes a wire mesh embedded within it, which serves as an additional security feature. The wire mesh can be detected by metal detectors or other scanning devices, making it difficult to counterfeit or alter the passport without detection. The mesh also reinforces the passport's structural integrity, preventing unauthorized access to the data page. The passport may also include other security features, such as holograms, microtext, or UV-reactive elements, to further enhance its authenticity and resistance to forgery. The shield layer is designed to be durable and flexible, ensuring the passport remains functional under normal use while maintaining its security features. This design improves the overall security and longevity of the passport, making it more resistant to fraud and physical wear.
8. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the shield includes metallic thread.
A passport document includes a security feature in the form of a shield embedded within the passport pages. The shield is designed to prevent unauthorized alterations to the passport, such as cutting, tearing, or tampering. The shield is constructed using a metallic thread, which enhances its durability and resistance to physical manipulation. The metallic thread provides a visible and detectable security element that can be verified by inspection or machine-readable methods. The shield is integrated into the passport pages in a way that any attempt to modify or remove it would be evident, ensuring the integrity of the document. The passport may also include additional security features, such as holograms, watermarks, or microtext, to further enhance its authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. The metallic thread in the shield serves as a tamper-evident layer, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to alter the passport without detection. This design ensures that the passport remains secure and tamper-proof throughout its lifespan.
9. The passport of claim 1 , wherein the back cover further comprises a part of the shield.
A passport includes a booklet with a front cover, back cover, and pages. The front cover has a shield with a security feature, such as a hologram or embossed design, to prevent counterfeiting. The back cover includes an additional part of the shield, extending the security feature across both covers. This design ensures that the shield is continuous and visually consistent, making it harder to replicate or alter the passport. The back cover may also contain other security elements, such as microtext, watermarks, or color-shifting inks, to further enhance authentication. The passport may also include RFID or biometric data storage for additional security. The shield on both covers helps verify the document's authenticity by ensuring that the security feature is present and correctly aligned. This design improves counterfeit detection and strengthens the passport's overall security.
10. The passport of claims 1 , wherein the at least a portion of the transmitted personal identifying information is encrypted.
A passport system is designed to securely transmit personal identifying information between a passport and an external device. The system addresses the problem of unauthorized access to sensitive data during communication. The passport includes a memory storing personal identifying information, a communication interface for transmitting the information, and a processor configured to encrypt at least a portion of the transmitted data before sending it. The encryption ensures that the information remains protected during transmission, preventing interception and unauthorized access. The external device, such as a border control system or authentication terminal, receives and decrypts the encrypted data to verify the passport holder's identity. The system may also include additional security measures, such as authentication protocols, to further enhance data protection. The encryption process can be applied to all or select portions of the personal identifying information, depending on the security requirements. This approach balances security and efficiency, ensuring that sensitive data is safeguarded while maintaining the functionality of the passport system.
11. The passport of claim 1 , an integrated circuit further includes a state memory configured to alternatively store the first readability state and the second readability state of the RFID tag.
A passport with an integrated circuit includes an RFID tag that can be switched between a first readability state, where the RFID tag is readable by an external reader, and a second readability state, where the RFID tag is not readable. The integrated circuit also includes a state memory that stores the current readability state of the RFID tag, allowing the passport to maintain its configured state even when power is removed. The RFID tag may be switched between states using a physical switch, a software command, or another control mechanism. The state memory ensures that the RFID tag retains its last configured state, preventing unauthorized access when the passport is in the non-readable state. This design enhances privacy and security by allowing users to control when the RFID tag is accessible, reducing the risk of unauthorized scanning. The integrated circuit may also include additional security features, such as authentication mechanisms, to further protect the stored data. The system is particularly useful in environments where RFID-enabled passports are at risk of being scanned without consent.
12. The passport of claim 11 , wherein the first readability state and the second readability state of the RFID tag are both ON states.
A passport includes an RFID tag with two readability states, both of which are active (ON) states. The RFID tag is configured to transition between these states based on an external trigger, such as a user input or a sensor detection. In one state, the RFID tag is fully readable by authorized readers, while in the second state, it remains readable but with restricted access or additional security measures. The passport may also include a user interface, such as a button or switch, to manually control the RFID tag's state. Additionally, the passport may incorporate a sensor, such as a proximity or motion sensor, to automatically switch the RFID tag between states. The RFID tag may also include a power management system to conserve energy when not in use. The passport ensures secure and controlled access to the RFID tag's data, preventing unauthorized reading while maintaining functionality for legitimate purposes.
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September 17, 2019
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